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Comment by Stephanie & Lola on January 8, 2009 at 4:13am

Thank you all very much for the replies =) I really appreciated all of them!! Benji is on Fenbendazole and Metronidazole for the next 7 days, and I am waiting for the vet to call me tomorrow for the results of Lola's stool sample. Wish us luck!

Comment by Kristen on January 7, 2009 at 10:15am

I have not had a dog with Girdia, but have had it myself. Wendt Worth comments are right on. It is a microscopic parasitic infection.The parasite can be found on surfaces that have come in contact withinfected water, food, feces-- Infection is a result of an accidental ingestion. You can only transmit Giardia as long as the parasite is present. Your dog will not be a carrier for life.

"The Giardia parasite lives in the intestine of infected humans or animals (e.g., cats, dogs, cattle, deer, and beavers). Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement of an infected human or animal. Giardia is found on surfaces or in soil, food, or water that has been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. You can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite; you cannot become infected through contact with blood. Giardia can be spread by:

Accidentally swallowing Giardia picked up from surfaces (such as bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys) contaminated with feces from an infected person or animal.
Drinking water or using ice made from contaminated sources (e.g., lakes, streams, shallow [less than 50 feet] or poorly monitored or maintained wells).
Swallowing recreational water contaminated with Giardia. Recreational water includes water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs or spas, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with feces or sewage from humans or animals.
Eating uncooked food contaminated with Giardia.
Having contact with someone who is ill with giardiasis.
Traveling to countries where giardiasis is common and being exposed to the parasite as described in the bullets above."

The above information is from the Center for Disease Control website. Good hygine is especially important for you. You can indeed become infected. Here is the link to the CDCs page on Giradia. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/Giardiasis/factsht_giardia.htm

Comment by Sam Tsang on January 7, 2009 at 9:47am

Giardia is transmitted via water and feces only.

Comment by Deanna on January 7, 2009 at 8:21am

Follow the recommendations of Wendt Worth, and keep the water bowls fresh -- change more often than once a day. When my babies had a scare with just intestinal worms, I changed the water bowl in the morning at sunrise, lunch, dinner, and just before bed. I also kept them out of the backyard -- only let them potty in front where I could watch where they went and clean it up right away. Had to treat the backyard with Seven Granules and Seven Powder several times before I felt comfortable enough to let them roam unattended out there again.

Comment by Stephanie & Lola on January 7, 2009 at 6:57am

Yikes! Thank you so much for the information! I read that once the dig tests positive for Giardia, they are a carrier for life... Can it be contacted through sharing a bowl of water? I would like to see the atricles that you have if you have a mintue to look them up. Again, thank you so much for the help.

Comment by Wendt Worth Corgi's on January 7, 2009 at 5:58am

Yes..it can be very contagious. They need to go on Fenbendazole or 3 to 5 days and be retested in 14 days. Pick up droppings immediately and disinfect w/bleach. Bleach kills it almost instantly. I got a pup that had it and I have like 5 other dogs here so I was extra cautious. I didn't let any nose to rear investigating to go on and everytime she went potty I cleaned it up and sprayed bleach on the lawn where she went and the droppings that were in the pan. I retested her and my 2 males since they are the investigators at more like 3 weeks later and they were all clear of it and any other intestinal parasites. If you would like further reading I can get you a link to an article or 2 that I have.

Comment by Lou Ann Lemaster on January 7, 2009 at 5:48am

Duncan had that last year I think, and the vet didn't give me anything for the other dog. If your dog doesn't eat it's food right away, you may want to make up some chicken and rice or beef and rice to feed you dog before you give the medication to him. It's pretty strong antibiotics.